After 3 days of intense volleyball, two teams remained to fight for the gold. The undefeated SAS eagles looked to close out the tournament with a perfect record. The only team stopping them was the ISKL Panthers. The Panthers had a similar road to the finals, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Eagles. As the stands filled with a sea of red and blue, the overwhelming excitement could be felt throughout the entirety of the MS gym. With the first serve from Sakamoto K. of the Panthers the Boys Final began.
The first set was an opportunity for both teams to make a strong impression and set the tempo for the rest of the game. The Eagles started off with their usual dominating play, but the Panthers were ready and equalized the score from multiple successive points. The set was definitely well fought, with both teams neck and neck for the majority of the time. Whenever the Eagles took the lead from multiple laser-like spikes from Gabriel P. and Justin D., the Panthers responded with blocks from Christian V. and tips from Giulio E. Throughout the set, the Eagles faced a recurring problem of miscommunication and overhit serves plagued their game. However, they had two special abilities up their sleeve: their miraculous saves and downward spikes from the front. Ultimately, Singapore won the first set with the score 25-23.
The second set gave the Panthers a chance to stay level with the Eagles. The eagles were determined not to give them the chance with their stellar blocking. The score, much like the first set, was close, but this time the Eagles had an early lead spearheaded by diving saves from libero Minsuk Y. and spikes from Gabriel P. With the score 14-9 all the Eagles had to do was nurse their lead to an eventual victory. The Panthers were determined to not let that happen. In the end it was all too much for the valiant effort put forth by the Panthers.
The final score of the 2nd set being 25-22.
The third set was the final chance for the Panthers. The Eagles were on the cusp of victory. Singapore attempted to continue where they left off. However the Panthers, on their last stand, played with a different level of intensity. They were more confident in their spikes and blocked with more purpose. Giuliu E. ,who has been playing like ISKL’s MVP all game, stepped up when they needed him most. However, these attempts were for naught as SAS retook the lead just as quickly as the Panthers gained it. The game was close with neither team willing to lose. With the combination of a misplay from the Panthers and a spike from Luke H. from SAS, the led at 22-20. However, ISKL was not going to go down without a fight and the match was at 24-24, with an incredible serve from #16. At 26-26 the crowds were riled up and the players were focused. Finally, with a misplay from the Panthers, SAS took the win in a clean sweep with a score o29-27.
The Boy’s Final definitely lived up to the centennial year hype. Congratul
Writer: Keitaro H.
Editor: Lauren Z.
Photographer: Elizabeth C.
The first set was an opportunity for both teams to make a strong impression and set the tempo for the rest of the game. The Eagles started off with their usual dominating play, but the Panthers were ready and equalized the score from multiple successive points. The set was definitely well fought, with both teams neck and neck for the majority of the time. Whenever the Eagles took the lead from multiple laser-like spikes from Gabriel P. and Justin D., the Panthers responded with blocks from Christian V. and tips from Giulio E. Throughout the set, the Eagles faced a recurring problem of miscommunication and overhit serves plagued their game. However, they had two special abilities up their sleeve: their miraculous saves and downward spikes from the front. Ultimately, Singapore won the first set with the score 25-23.
The second set gave the Panthers a chance to stay level with the Eagles. The eagles were determined not to give them the chance with their stellar blocking. The score, much like the first set, was close, but this time the Eagles had an early lead spearheaded by diving saves from libero Minsuk Y. and spikes from Gabriel P. With the score 14-9 all the Eagles had to do was nurse their lead to an eventual victory. The Panthers were determined to not let that happen. In the end it was all too much for the valiant effort put forth by the Panthers.
The final score of the 2nd set being 25-22.
The third set was the final chance for the Panthers. The Eagles were on the cusp of victory. Singapore attempted to continue where they left off. However the Panthers, on their last stand, played with a different level of intensity. They were more confident in their spikes and blocked with more purpose. Giuliu E. ,who has been playing like ISKL’s MVP all game, stepped up when they needed him most. However, these attempts were for naught as SAS retook the lead just as quickly as the Panthers gained it. The game was close with neither team willing to lose. With the combination of a misplay from the Panthers and a spike from Luke H. from SAS, the led at 22-20. However, ISKL was not going to go down without a fight and the match was at 24-24, with an incredible serve from #16. At 26-26 the crowds were riled up and the players were focused. Finally, with a misplay from the Panthers, SAS took the win in a clean sweep with a score o29-27.
The Boy’s Final definitely lived up to the centennial year hype. Congratul
Writer: Keitaro H.
Editor: Lauren Z.
Photographer: Elizabeth C.